June 19, 2019
Keeping watch
Features
Photo courtesy Community News Archives The Lake Saint Louis Police Department is asking residents and businesses, across its jurisdiction, to assist in safeguarding their communities by registering their privately-owned video surveillance systems with its new Community Camera Program.
Lake St. Louis Police Department joins growing trend of asking residents and businesses to register personal surveillance systems to help fight crime By Brett Auten In an effort to help streamline investigations and help detour burglaries, the Lake St. Louis Police Department is calling on its citizens to lend a simple, helping hand. There is no question that the presence of a home or business outdoor video surveillance system is a warning to prowling crooks that they are being monitored and recorded. But, while video surveillance may dissuade them from cracking your safe haven, it is also helpful in investigating crimes that may have happen in your neighborhood. The Lake Saint Louis Police Department is asking residents and businesses, across its
jurisdiction, to assist in safeguarding their communities by registering their privately-owned video surveillance systems with its new Community Camera Program. By registering your video surveillance system with the department, investigators can quickly identify nearby cameras that may have captured criminal activity. “This is not our invention,” Lake St. Louis Police Chief Chris DiGiuseppi said. “Most of the communities (in St. Charles County) have it and we needed to get on board with it also. To have a central database of cameras like this helps when an incident occurs. Normally, we would canvas the entire area to see who has a system in place. Now, we will be able to go to the database, ask if we
can see a copy, and hopefully it will generate some leads and solve the crime.” Following registration, you would only be contacted by the Lake Saint Louis Police Department if there is a criminal incident in the vicinity of your home or business. Once registered, Lake St. Louis police personnel may request to view your surveillance system footage to assist in the investigation. Unlocked vehicles are, and always have been, the key target for criminals. You name it – guns, cash, computers, garage door openers – all have been left unattended in Lake St. Louis neighborhoods. While security cameras are all well and fine, the best deterrent is the simplest deterrant. See ‘WATCH’ page 3
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